The Arlington Renegades made two key re-signings on Monday. QB Lindsey Scott Jr. and LB Donald Payne agreed to terms for the 2025 UFL season, returning to an Arlington team that has high hopes for their next campaign.
The #UFL has announced the following transactions pic.twitter.com/wSi5iv4W9d
— UFL Communications Department (@UFL_PR) October 14, 2024
QB Lindsey Scott Jr.
Lindsey Scott Jr. is back in Arlington. He made his professional debut with the Renegades this past season, after being signed originally with the Houston Roughnecks. In the USFL-XFL Dispersal Draft process, he was picked up by Arlington.
Current TXST Offensive Assistant Lindsey Scott Jr. has been selected by the Arlington Renegades of the UFL https://t.co/34NxStpzp9
— Colton McWilliams (@ColtonBMc) January 5, 2024
While many expected him to see more playing time, Scott was primarily used as a gadget quarterback behind Luis Perez. This did end up making sense, with all of the success Perez saw in 2024. That said, it felt like Scott wasn’t able to develop the way he could’ve, since he was only on the field every so often.
When Lindsey was utilized, he played quite well. Scott threw for just 48 yards and a touchdown, but ran for 72 yards and two scores. When he was in the game, it was usually because he’d run an RPO, taking it himself on multiple occasions.
Lindsey Scott Jr., the former Incarnate Word star, with his first score as a professional.
Love how the @XFLRenegades are utilizing him in some packages this #UFL season.pic.twitter.com/XWskn1u81F
— James Larsen (@JamesLarsenPFN) April 7, 2024
Scott was a star in college, closing out his career at Incarnate Word in spectacular fashion. He threw for 60 touchdowns his final season. Hopefully, Lindsey will have the opportunity to develop more as a passer in 2025, but it will likely depend on if Luis Perez returns or not.
LB Donald Payne
Donald Payne is back in action for Arlington. He is a staple of the spring football scene, having been with the Houston Gamblers in 2022. That year, he led the USFL in tackles (117), while totaling two sacks and three interceptions. Payne earned All-USFL honors, and had an outstanding 85.0 Defensive Grade via PFF.
It's almost unfair that the @XFLRenegades snagged Donald Payne yesterday in the supplemental #XFL draft. @7PayneTrain was a force to be reckoned with in the #USFL. The All-USFL LB racked up 117 tackles, 2 sacks, 3 INTs…he was unstoppable. Legendary.pic.twitter.com/f2yDnRGgGg
— James Larsen (@JamesLarsenPFN) January 2, 2023
After a quick NFL stint following his USFL campaign, Payne made the leap to the XFL. He signed with the Arlington Renegades, and started in all 10 games he played in that year. In 2023, he posted 61 tackles, 0.5 sacks, and an interception as Renegades won the XFL Championship.
This year, Payne was heavily involved in Jay Hayes’ defense once again. He started all 10 games in the regular season, compiling 62 tackles and two sacks. Donald is a smart linebacker, and while he’s starting to get up there in age, still has some juice left in the tank to run it back for at least another season.
XFL Arlington Renegades Donald Payne tackle for a loss. #XFL #XFL2023 #SeaDragons #XFLRenegades pic.twitter.com/LPDR76sTga
— UFLBoard.com News & Discussion (@theuflboard) March 31, 2023
Payne has quite a bit of NFL experience as well. He’s got 76 tackles and five sacks to his name, playing with the Jaguars, Ravens, and 49ers.
General Manager Rick Mueller is getting busy. Arlington was quiet for a few months, but they’ve been re-signing quite a few players as of late. Having Scott and Payne back is fantastic news, and both will likely play big roles for Arlington in 2025.
What are your thoughts on Lindsey Scott and Donald Payne returning to Arlington? Let us know down in the comments below, or join the conversation on Discord!
